“Kawuneeche Spring,”

By Marty Coffin Evans © 2014

A loud thump and crash interrupted our quiet lunch. From our picture window overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River we peered over the sill.

“Oh dear, another bird just flew into the window.” There on the flagstone patio lay a small Pine Siskin on its side.

Had the impact killed it? Was it stunned or dying?

We watched a few minutes wondering about its fate. A gentle breeze ruffled the small grey-brown and yellow feathers on its side.

It looks like it’s breathing, we thought.  “I’m going to find out,” my friend Donna said.

Out she went and carefully scooped up the little bird.  With a tender motion, Donna began stoking the back of its neck from the base of its head down to the shoulder and wing area.

As it remained quiet in her hand she waited for it to gain strength to stand. All the while she continued the gently stroking.  With a little wiggle, the Pine Siskin moved enough to step onto on her finger.

“Here, want to hold it?” Donna asked. “Put your finger out and it’ll move over.  Keep stroking the neck. That stimulates a little nerve at the base of the head.”

Gaining a strong footing it began moving its tiny toothpick size feet to different places on my fingers. With alert eyes, it looked around this new perch.

As storm clouds rolled in, accompanied by claps of thunder, we kept stroking this young bird.  Soon heavy rain drops began pelting us. We kept stoking the Pine Siskin until finally, wet enough ourselves, we placed it carefully on the nearby picnic table.

There it sat near several growing puddles of water. “It will fly when it’s ready,” Donna explained.

Sure enough, after a few wet moments, our little Pine Siskin fluffed its feathers, hopped to the edge of the picnic table and took flight.

We watched our little rescue fly off toward the verdant beauty of the Kawuneeche Valley leaving us with a sense of satisfaction, relief and happiness in knowing our small part in helping its return to a bird’s life.

June 2024

“Old Faithful” 6″ x 11″ Gouache, Copyright © 2023 Donna Lyons

By Marty Coffin Evans

Sometimes in attending a memorial service we gain a special insight into that beloved parent when family members share their remembrances. My friend’s daughters spoke eloquently in sharing their mother’s gifts, causing us to listen a little closer and perhaps learn something about our own lives.

These daughters wanted to live with their mother’s determination and style. They both admired how she could get things done and saw her power in being resourceful. This intrepid traveler mother shared her gift for organization with her daughters.

In their family, the idea prevailed that parenting travels across generations from parents to grandparents. This may seem logical but for these daughters, it had added importance as they shared many intergenerational times.

They were raised to know that they were smart enough to do anything they wanted to do or be.  Sounds like their lives had no ceiling with a “skies the limit” philosophy.  How challenging, and possibly a little frightening, for them realizing the world was there for the taking.

In their home, they learned their mom could fix everything.  She would soon send them out into the world again.  No doubt, that might have required dusting them off, wiping away their tears, and sending them on their way after a hug or two.

Their mother’s touch was a comforting and caring one. Her daughters saw she had a million ways to be a great mom and spiritual guardian. What a role model she was for her daughters.

On occasion, we may have said or heard others comment about “sounds like my mother.” Perhaps in saying this our love for our mothers goes on for countless years.

What special gifts do you remember from your mother or someone in that role? If possible, why not share your remembrances with them now for all to treasure.

Copyright © 2014 Marty Coffin Evans

May 2024